Disillusioned Arizona Mormons May Swing Key Battleground State to Democrats in 2024 Election

In a Mesa, Ariz. home, a group of Mormon men recently debated a significant political shift: disillusioned by former President Donald J. Trump, could thousands of Mormon voters sway a key battleground state towards the Democrats in November.

Mormon Voter Shift in Arizona

President Biden's victory in 2020 can be partially attributed to this shift, as he garnered 18 percent of Arizona’s Mormon voters, according to exit polls. This deflection from the traditionally Republican voting bloc played a crucial role in flipping the state blue by a mere 10,457 votes. The prospect of this happening again is evident, as Mr. Trump appears to be further polarizing the state's Mormons, potentially giving Vice President Kamala Harris an advantage.

"People in my moderate circle of friends are saying, 'I can no longer do this,'" remarked Mike Badgett, one of the Mesa residents contemplating this political shift. He referred to the troubled alliance between Trump and devout religious voters, stating, "I think the wheels are coming off of this agreement." This sentiment reflects the growing discontent among Mormons towards Trump's presidency and policies.

Despite having supported Trump in the past, many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found it increasingly difficult to align themselves with him. Trump's vulgarity, disregard for women, and anti-immigrant stance have clashed with the church's pro-immigrant and pro-refugee message, causing disenchantment among its followers.

The shifting political landscape in Arizona showcases the potential impact of voter disillusionment on traditional voting patterns. As Mormon voters grapple with their discontent towards Trump, the possibility of a significant shift towards the Democrats looms large, making Arizona a key battleground state to watch in the upcoming elections.